Murphy reiterated the team’s intention to have Favre’s number retired before he is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2016. Retiring Favre’s number would also be the ceremonial return of Favre to the Packers family, following the ugly divorce between the two sides in the Summer of 2008.

Murphy was once again positive this reunion would happen soon.

“There’s been pretty open dialogue…I do anticipate that we will see that sooner rather than later. We’d like to be able to retire his number and have him go into our Hall of Fame prior to 2016.”

It is not a question of if but when this will happen. Yet there is one question that surrounds this gradual reconciliation between the two sides.

The question is why does Murphy keep discussing this?

For the past several years, Murphy has made it a habit of saying something to the effect of retiring Favre’s number is a priority for the franchise every few months. Super Bowl time or just following, during the Packers Tailgate Tour in the Spring, and prior to the season opener seem to be prime time for Murphy to discuss Favre coming back to Green Bay, almost like clockwork.

Whenever Murphy discusses Favre coming back to Green Bay, it sets off a flurry of speculation.

Will this be the year? Is Favre coming back? When will it happen? What game will his number be retired?

The speculation is expected because of the impact Favre had on the franchise. But continuing to discuss it in a cyclical manner is also unfair on Murphy’s part.

Most likely, Murphy is simply answering the question when asked about the timing. He may also be trying to remind everyone that this is going to happen. Not if, but when. By reminding everyone that this will happen, it will soften the blow of the inevitable for those who are still bitter toward Favre for playing for the divorce and later playing for the Vikings, and perhaps toward the Packers in their part of the break up.

Yet continuously discussing this with no action being announced is frustrating to those who look forward to this day happening, and frustrating to those who do not want Favre back in the family, but are constantly reminded of its inevitability.

Until there is more news to announce on this happening, Murphy would be wise to let his last comments stand as they are.

Everyone knows Favre is going to return to Green Bay at some point. Mark Murphy has made this very clear. Until there is a more definite plan as to how this will happen, he should not discuss it anymore. Let the speculation die off-there will be plenty to discuss when the inevitability becomes a reality.

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